After what has proven to be a forgettable 2021/22 campaign, Manchester United will face their biggest summer transfer window in recent years in just a few months' time.
Following the additions of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, United were expected to launch a genuine push for the Premier League title. Instead, with just nine games to go, they face the unimaginable prospect of missing out on the top four and a place in the Champions League for next season.
Whether they sneak into the top four or not, this summer promises to be the biggest the club has faced in years. Whilst the appointment of a new manager is the biggest job on the to-do list, the squad is also in need of major reconstruction, with several players needing to be moved on and new additions needing to be made.
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But, whilst United are in a privileged position where they can spend lavish amounts of money, they may also be lucky enough to take advantage of the free-agent market. A large pool of players are out of contract at their current clubs this summer and, unless they put pen to paper on new deals before June 30, they will be available to sign for free.
From world-class strikers to hard-nosed defenders, there will be plenty of options available. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at three players United may wish to consider as part of their rebuilding project.
Noussair Mazraoui
With Ajax boss Erik ten Hag the red-hot favourite to become United's next manager, reports linking Ajax players with moves to Old Trafford are only likely to grow stronger over the coming weeks and months. Whilst midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is already being linked with a summer move, the name of Noussair Mazraoui has not yet hit the United gossip columns.
The right-back, who is 24, has been on Ajax's books since 2006 and has developed through the ranks at the Dutch giants. Out of contract at the end of the season, the Moroccan has enjoyed the best season of his career to date, scoring five goals and registering four assists in all competitions.
Making the right-back berth his own, Mazraoui is considered as one of the unsung heroes within Ten Hag's team and his performances often go under the radar. Renowned for bombing forward from right-back and offering an alternative option in the final third, as highlighted by his tally of nine direct goal contributions this season, the Moroccan could be a signing United ought to consider exploring.
Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have both struggled to nail down the right-back berth in recent months and the latter has not made the progress expected of him following his move from Crystal Palace in 2019. It is a position that needs strengthening and if Ten Hag was to land the job, Mazraoui could be a suitable option.
Antonio Rudiger
Already being heavily linked with a move to United, Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger is set to have a long queue of suitors this summer. Already attracting interest prior to the wave of sanctions that were imposed on Chelsea just over a week ago, he is a man in demand.
Having seen his Blues career grind to a halt under Frank Lampard, he has been revitalised under Thomas Tuchel, playing a key role in the successes they have enjoyed under him since he landed the job in January last year. He has helped them win the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
But with Chelsea currently banned from offering new contracts to players, Rudiger's future at Stamford Bridge is in serious doubt. United, as well as the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich, have been linked with him and signing a new centre-back, considering their defensive woes this season, is something that United may wish to consider this summer.
Fringe players such as Phil Jones and Eric Bailly need moving on, meaning United could be two defenders light, so at least one replacement would be needed. In Rudiger, United could land themselves a vastly experienced international who knows the Premier League like the back of his hand. Furthermore, he would also be available on a free, allowing United to invest in other areas of the squad.
Boubacar Kamara
Signing a defensive-minded midfielder is United's top priority above all else this summer. It has been highlighted as an overwhelming weakness in the team throughout the season and adding a new midfielder to the ranks is a must.
West Ham United ace Declan Rice has been identified as the club's top target, but he is, potentially, going to cost United north of £100million. Whilst the club is not set to give up on Rice, the impending departure of Paul Pogba, plus uncertainty surrounding the futures of the likes of Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic, means United are likely to need two new signings in midfield.
If they plan on spending big money to sign Rice, Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara is a logical choice for their second addition. The 22-year-old is considered as one of the most promising players in his position in world football and his potential is sky-high.
Despite his tender age, he has already racked up more than 100 league appearances for the French club and shouldered the responsibility of being captain on a handful of occasions. United are in need of a midfielder that would add a sense of bite and aggression to their options and Kamara would offer exactly that.
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